Where to Eat

Paladar Vistamar – splendor by the Straits

Imagine a stunning setting that offers both an uninterupted view of the ocean and an infinity pool. That’s the dining experience at Paladar Vistamar in the Miramar area of Havana.

Even if the food weren’t so fine – it is – this would be the place to lunch just to experience the glamour of pre-revolutionary Havana and the beauty of the setting overlooking the Straits of Florida.

On a sunny day, the Vistamar is a great choice. It’s at Avenida 1, 2206, between calles 22 y 24 l and has its own small parking lot in front. A quick ride by cab from the centre of Havana and even closer to the hotels in Miramar like the Melia Cohiba. Head upstairs in what is a lavish seaside home for a modern looking dining room. The balcony has a few tables directly overlooking the pool that are the first to be chosen.

The menu is quite large including a wide range of soups, starters including several seafood treats and mains particularly including fresh fish. I chose the tuna, although baked snapper was very appealing too. Seasonal variations and supply mean that not everything is available every day. It’s a tourist spot with prices in the CUC12-20 range. The menu includes translations into English.

Like all Cuban paladares, the Vistamar is privately operated. Service reflected that pride of personal operation – interested and helpful.

Desserts are a big feature of the Vistamar and on the day I lunched there, everyone seemed to be indulging. I confess the key lime pie was wonderful and even better thanks to the blue Caribbean just outside!